Water supply disruptions seem to be increasing in frequency and severity. — Filepic
WATER cuts in Selangor are a recurring problem that seems to be increasing in frequency and severity.
There have been a number of unscheduled water cuts over the last few years, caused by burst pipes and river pollution.
The recent case last week was the most severe.
A poly methacrylic acid (PMAA) contamination due to a leak from a plastic factory in Kuang, Selangor, was identified as the cause of the shutdown of four water treatment plants in the Klang Valley.
The affected plants were in Rantau Panjang, Klang, as well as Sungai Selangor phases 1, 2 and 3.
Many households in Klang Valley were without water for several days.
As they were caught off-guard, many faced difficulties, especially families with small children.
We know and appreciate that Air Selangor did its best to restore supply as soon as possible, but questions remain about the frequency of such occurrences.
For instance, why were the authorities not able to enforce regulations and bring to book those who were previously responsible for polluting rivers?
There has scarcely been any prosecution of recalcitrant factory owners and workers.
Is there a shortage of enforcement officers?
Whatever the reasons or causes, it is high time for the authorities to buck up.
This state of affairs is untenable, unacceptable and unconscionable.
The authorities should strictly enforce existing environmental regulations and, if necessary, introduce new laws to increase penalties for polluting factories.The authorities should conduct regular inspections of factories to ensure compliance with environmental standards and implement monitoring systems to track pollution levels in rivers.
Factories should be encouraged to improve waste management practices, such as treating wastewater before disposal and recycling or reusing waste materials.
Where the public is concerned, they should be educated about the impact of water pollution on health and the environment.
Individuals should also be encouraged to report instances of pollution to the authorities.
We should also practise water conservation at home to cut down on usage.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Kuala Lumpur
